Lee prepared to fill Akram's shoes as KKR bowling mentor

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Last Updated: Fri, Mar 29, 2013 16:40 hrs

Kolkata, March 29 (IANS) Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pace spearhead Brett Lee, who also has been made the bowling mentor replacing Pakistan legend Wasim Akram, Friday said he was prepared for the new challenge.

"I am really proud and pleased to say that I am the bowling mentor while still playing. It is a challenge and I am looking forward to it," Lee said after leading KKR bowlers through a grueling net practice at the Eden Gardens here.

The former Australian pacer replaced 'Sultan of Swing' Wasim Akram who earlier stepped down as KKR bowling coach as he wanted to spend more time with his family.

"Wasim chose to spend time with his family so good luck to him. He was a great help for the bowlers and I will try my best as the new mentor," said Lee.

Lee, however has big shoes to fill as Akram associated with now Gautam Gambhir-led side for the past three seasons, was a part of the core team along with coach Trevor Bayliss and played a key role in KKR's maiden IPL title last year.

The new bowling mentor also the team's pace spearhead, however, is willing to play second fiddle to all rounder Jacques Kallis whom he described as the "go to man".

"Our bowling attack is good and has variety especially with Kallis around. He is a great player and has been our go to man for the last two seasons. Be it with the ball or the bat, he has a crucial to play," said Lee.

The KKR have an exciting bowling attack with Lee and West Indian offie Sunil Narine who was instrumental in the city franchise winning its maiden IPL crown in 2012.

Medium pacers Laxmipathy Balaji and Rajat Bhatia are two other vital cogs in the bowling attack which also boasts the like of young left armer Iqbal Abdulla.

Equaling KKR's IPL victory with Pakistan becoming world champion, Akram had described his bowlers as "the best in the world" and said he "can beat any team with this bowling attack".